News Analysis India

Tag: India China clash

  • Rajnath Singh’s statement on Arunachal clash incomplete, Modi govt hiding truth: Congress

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement in Parliament on the Sino-India border clash in Tawang was “incomplete” and accused the government of hiding the truth from the nation.

    Congress spokesperson and deputy leader of the party in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi demanded that the government should tell the truth and not divert public attention by raising other issues like cancellation of FCRA registration of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

    Gogoi and party leader Pawan Khera also accused the government of diplomatic failure with China, claiming that India has lost its pre-eminent position in Southeast Asia.

    Both the leaders demanded that the government should agree to a detailed discussion on the border situation and ties with China, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks made in June 2020 that “no one has entered Indian territory nor has anyone occupied its territory” has emboldened China to indulge in such misadventures.

    “Why did Rajnath Singh give a statement so late as the incident is of December 9. Why was this not given yesterday in Parliament? What are they hiding this? This government wants to hide the truth from the nation and our demand from day one has been to tell the truth to the nation,” Gogoi told reporters at a press conference.

    He said the Congress is concerned about the security of the nation and that is why it was asking questions to the government.

    “Rajnath Singh may be wanting to provide more information but his voice has also been silenced by the Prime minister. That is why the minister’s statement is incomplete. Our questions were valid,” he said.

    He alleged that whenever an issue of national security comes up, the “prime minister hides behind his ministers”.

    ALSO READ | India blames China of trying to alter ‘status quo’, Beijing downplays Arunachal border clash

    Asking why Parliament was deliberately kept in the dark, Gogoi said that is why the Congress staged a walkout after Singh’s statement in Lok Sabha and later in Rajya Sabha.

    “The BJP government is not able to protect the territorial integrity of our country. They do not have the time to think about the country except elections and doing communal politics,” he said, adding that we have to prepare a united strategy after taking everyone together but there is no time for it with this government.

    He also accused the government of “diplomatic failure” and that is why China is indulging in such clashes along the border.

    “Modi ji, dariye mat. (Don’t be afraid). Name China and assure the country that what he said earlier was wrong and spell out how India plans to take on this challenge strongly,” Gogoi said.

    Taking on Home Minister Amit Shah, Khera said he was making allegations against the Congress but should answer why the BJP was taking the help of UC News Mobile and ShareIt in 2019 elections.

    “The accounts of Rajiv Gandhi foundation are in public domain and there is nothing to hide about them. But what are the RSS ties with China’s communist party and why they knock at China’s doors and why it has a tie up with CPC. Even when they are not in power, the BJP goes there to get lessons from China.

    What are India Foundation and Vivekanand Foundation’s relations with China, the Home minister should tell,” he said.

    Khera also demanded that the government should make public details of the PM Cares fund and tell which Chinese companies have given donations to it.

    “We want to know what is the secret of Modi ji giving a clean chit to China in 2020. We are concerned about the country’s integrity and its borders. The Congress leader said the government has allowed the Chinese to understand your weakness and that is why failure on your diplomacy. You should have left diplomacy to diplomats. This is the diplomatic failure, as neither can we ask questions from Raksha Mantri, nor from external affairs ministry or anyone else. The Prime Minister is clearly responsible for this as he gave the clean chit to China. China has not only disturbed the status quo and we are asking the government to fight China but you are here fighting with us. This is the diplomatic failure,” Khera asserted.

    Asked what he meant by India’s diplomatic failure, Gogoi said, “If it was a success, China would not have shown this courage. We have failed on diplomacy with China. The failure of this government to impose high costs on Chinese misadventure is the number one failure. Number two failure is that you are tying your Army’s hands behind their back and asking them to go back from their own territory. There is a demand for pre-Galwan status quo, but you have dropped the demand. Thirdly, you are seeing a distance between you and your allies, especially in South Asia. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has lost her pre-eminent position in South Asia. Even on economic ad diplomatic front,” the Congress MP from Assam said.

    He, however, said the government does not have the time to consider this issue and urged it to show transparency.

    “We have been seeking a holistic discussion on China. Prime Minister should hold another round of talks and admit to mistakes. The country gives importance to national security,” he said, adding that the government is answerable to the country and the government should reply to the nation and tell the truth.

    Gogoi also asked why the Indian government is making compromises at the border by signing disengagement agreements and creating buffer zones and that is why China is getting the courage to indulge in such misadventures as done in Tawang on Friday.

    He claimed that by doing so, China wants that buffer zones are created in north eastern sector.

    “If India has to give reply to China’s misadventure, then India will have to engage with South East Asia. But, the effort is to divert the attention of the country. We are facing such a challenge and if we do not respond to it unitedly, we will have to face the consequences in future and PM Modi will have to take the entire responsibility.”

    Khera said in 1962, as many as 165 MPs participated in the discussion on China when even our MPs criticised our government then and Nehru ji listened. “But, look at this government they attack us when we ask them questions.”

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement in Parliament on the Sino-India border clash in Tawang was “incomplete” and accused the government of hiding the truth from the nation.

    Congress spokesperson and deputy leader of the party in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi demanded that the government should tell the truth and not divert public attention by raising other issues like cancellation of FCRA registration of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

    Gogoi and party leader Pawan Khera also accused the government of diplomatic failure with China, claiming that India has lost its pre-eminent position in Southeast Asia.

    Both the leaders demanded that the government should agree to a detailed discussion on the border situation and ties with China, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks made in June 2020 that “no one has entered Indian territory nor has anyone occupied its territory” has emboldened China to indulge in such misadventures.

    “Why did Rajnath Singh give a statement so late as the incident is of December 9. Why was this not given yesterday in Parliament? What are they hiding this? This government wants to hide the truth from the nation and our demand from day one has been to tell the truth to the nation,” Gogoi told reporters at a press conference.

    He said the Congress is concerned about the security of the nation and that is why it was asking questions to the government.

    “Rajnath Singh may be wanting to provide more information but his voice has also been silenced by the Prime minister. That is why the minister’s statement is incomplete. Our questions were valid,” he said.

    He alleged that whenever an issue of national security comes up, the “prime minister hides behind his ministers”.

    ALSO READ | India blames China of trying to alter ‘status quo’, Beijing downplays Arunachal border clash

    Asking why Parliament was deliberately kept in the dark, Gogoi said that is why the Congress staged a walkout after Singh’s statement in Lok Sabha and later in Rajya Sabha.

    “The BJP government is not able to protect the territorial integrity of our country. They do not have the time to think about the country except elections and doing communal politics,” he said, adding that we have to prepare a united strategy after taking everyone together but there is no time for it with this government.

    He also accused the government of “diplomatic failure” and that is why China is indulging in such clashes along the border.

    “Modi ji, dariye mat. (Don’t be afraid). Name China and assure the country that what he said earlier was wrong and spell out how India plans to take on this challenge strongly,” Gogoi said.

    Taking on Home Minister Amit Shah, Khera said he was making allegations against the Congress but should answer why the BJP was taking the help of UC News Mobile and ShareIt in 2019 elections.

    “The accounts of Rajiv Gandhi foundation are in public domain and there is nothing to hide about them. But what are the RSS ties with China’s communist party and why they knock at China’s doors and why it has a tie up with CPC. Even when they are not in power, the BJP goes there to get lessons from China.

    What are India Foundation and Vivekanand Foundation’s relations with China, the Home minister should tell,” he said.

    Khera also demanded that the government should make public details of the PM Cares fund and tell which Chinese companies have given donations to it.

    “We want to know what is the secret of Modi ji giving a clean chit to China in 2020. We are concerned about the country’s integrity and its borders. The Congress leader said the government has allowed the Chinese to understand your weakness and that is why failure on your diplomacy. You should have left diplomacy to diplomats. This is the diplomatic failure, as neither can we ask questions from Raksha Mantri, nor from external affairs ministry or anyone else. The Prime Minister is clearly responsible for this as he gave the clean chit to China. China has not only disturbed the status quo and we are asking the government to fight China but you are here fighting with us. This is the diplomatic failure,” Khera asserted.

    Asked what he meant by India’s diplomatic failure, Gogoi said, “If it was a success, China would not have shown this courage. We have failed on diplomacy with China. The failure of this government to impose high costs on Chinese misadventure is the number one failure. Number two failure is that you are tying your Army’s hands behind their back and asking them to go back from their own territory. There is a demand for pre-Galwan status quo, but you have dropped the demand. Thirdly, you are seeing a distance between you and your allies, especially in South Asia. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has lost her pre-eminent position in South Asia. Even on economic ad diplomatic front,” the Congress MP from Assam said.

    He, however, said the government does not have the time to consider this issue and urged it to show transparency.

    “We have been seeking a holistic discussion on China. Prime Minister should hold another round of talks and admit to mistakes. The country gives importance to national security,” he said, adding that the government is answerable to the country and the government should reply to the nation and tell the truth.

    Gogoi also asked why the Indian government is making compromises at the border by signing disengagement agreements and creating buffer zones and that is why China is getting the courage to indulge in such misadventures as done in Tawang on Friday.

    He claimed that by doing so, China wants that buffer zones are created in north eastern sector.

    “If India has to give reply to China’s misadventure, then India will have to engage with South East Asia. But, the effort is to divert the attention of the country. We are facing such a challenge and if we do not respond to it unitedly, we will have to face the consequences in future and PM Modi will have to take the entire responsibility.”

    Khera said in 1962, as many as 165 MPs participated in the discussion on China when even our MPs criticised our government then and Nehru ji listened. “But, look at this government they attack us when we ask them questions.”

  • Indian, Chinese troops clash along LAC in Arunachal: Reports

    By Online Desk

    TAWANG (Arunachal Pradesh): India and Chinese troops were on Friday involved in a face-off in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector. The clash was reported along the disputed section of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 at Yangtse.

    This is reportedly the first such incident since the aggressive melee between the neighbours in the middle of 2020. The clash led to minor injuries on both sides. 

    IANS quoted sources as saying that Chinese troops approached the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh last week, but Indian troops firmly contested their way, leading to a clash between the two. 

    “Although no loss of life or major injuries was reported, a few Indian and Chinese troops received some minor injuries during this clash,” the report added.

    Soon after the clash, troops of both India and China immediately were disengaged from the area.

    According to ANI, the Chinese had come heavily prepared with around 300 soldiers but did not expect the Indian side also to be well prepared.

    Quoting sources, the agency said that on December 9, 2022, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh which was contested by Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner.

    As a follow-up of the incident, India’s Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity.

    ALSO READ | India, China fear Russian defeat in Ukraine

    Reports quoting sources said that in certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, wherein both sides patrol the area upto their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006.

    The 2020 deadly clash was the first in at least 45 years. It claimed the lives of as many as 20 Indian soldiers. China apparently did not confirm any casualties, though reports suggested four casualties on the Chinese side.

    In September this year, the Associated Press quoting defense ministers of both countries reported that Indian and Chinese soldiers are pulling back from a key friction point on their disputed border as part of efforts to lower tensions in a more than two-year standoff that has sometimes led to deadly clashes.

    The disengagement, the report said, followed the 16th round of commander-level talks between the two countries in July.

    The two countries have stationed tens of thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the de facto border, called the LAC.

    The LAC separates Chinese and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. India and China fought a war over the border in 1962, an Associated Press report said on Monday.

    After multiple meetings between military commanders, some Indian and Chinese soldiers have pulled back from a key friction point in Ladakh since the 2020 clash, but tensions between the two Asian giants have persisted, the report added.

    (With inputs from Agencies)

    TAWANG (Arunachal Pradesh): India and Chinese troops were on Friday involved in a face-off in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector. The clash was reported along the disputed section of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 at Yangtse.

    This is reportedly the first such incident since the aggressive melee between the neighbours in the middle of 2020. The clash led to minor injuries on both sides. 

    IANS quoted sources as saying that Chinese troops approached the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh last week, but Indian troops firmly contested their way, leading to a clash between the two. 

    “Although no loss of life or major injuries was reported, a few Indian and Chinese troops received some minor injuries during this clash,” the report added.

    Soon after the clash, troops of both India and China immediately were disengaged from the area.

    According to ANI, the Chinese had come heavily prepared with around 300 soldiers but did not expect the Indian side also to be well prepared.

    Quoting sources, the agency said that on December 9, 2022, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh which was contested by Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner.

    As a follow-up of the incident, India’s Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity.

    ALSO READ | India, China fear Russian defeat in Ukraine

    Reports quoting sources said that in certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, wherein both sides patrol the area upto their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006.

    The 2020 deadly clash was the first in at least 45 years. It claimed the lives of as many as 20 Indian soldiers. China apparently did not confirm any casualties, though reports suggested four casualties on the Chinese side.

    In September this year, the Associated Press quoting defense ministers of both countries reported that Indian and Chinese soldiers are pulling back from a key friction point on their disputed border as part of efforts to lower tensions in a more than two-year standoff that has sometimes led to deadly clashes.

    The disengagement, the report said, followed the 16th round of commander-level talks between the two countries in July.

    The two countries have stationed tens of thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the de facto border, called the LAC.

    The LAC separates Chinese and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. India and China fought a war over the border in 1962, an Associated Press report said on Monday.

    After multiple meetings between military commanders, some Indian and Chinese soldiers have pulled back from a key friction point in Ladakh since the 2020 clash, but tensions between the two Asian giants have persisted, the report added.

    (With inputs from Agencies)

  • Resolution of eastern Ladakh row will facilitate bilateral relations: India-China joint statement

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: After another round of high-level military talks, India and China on Saturday affirmed that a resolution of the eastern Ladakh standoff would facilitate progress in bilateral relations besides helping restore peace in the region.

    The two sides also agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in the region and continue the dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, said a joint statement issued a day after the 15th round of military talks to resolve the 22-month-long standoff at the remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

    “The two sides carried forward their discussions from the previous round held on 12th January 2022 for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector,” the joint statement said.

    “They had a detailed exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest,” it said.

    It further said: “The reaffirmed that such a resolution would help restore peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the Western Sector and facilitate progress in bilateral relations” The two sides also agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in the region.

    “They agreed to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest,” the joint statement said.

  • We will have to be prepared to stay at LAC in Eastern Ladakh as long as required: Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane on Wednesday made it clear that while the Chinese have carried out a major enhancement of the troop level and permanent infrastructure build up it remains to be seen whether they will permanently garrison themselves there or they will de-induct in the time to come. And, till then we will have to be prepared to stay.

    Replying to the question of TNIE that whether the Chinese PLA was preparing for permanent deployment Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane addressing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Press Conference 2022 told, “Amassing of large forces by the Chinese in Eastern Ladakh is the root cause of the situation which developed. Now that they are there and they have made a lot of infrastructure it remains to be seen whether they will permanently garrison themselves there or they will be amenable to some kind of de-induction in times to come.”

    The Army Chief said that the reaching de-indcution will pass through several processes. But, before we reach that level, “we will have to be prepared to stay there as long as it required.”

    As far as the ongoing situation is concerned it will have to follow a few laid out steps. Firstly, it will be dis-engagement, then we can think of a little bit of de-scalation and by that (it means) moving back from being bang on LAC to the areas in depth areas but remaining in the general areas.

    “Once this kind of confidence is built up then we can think of de-induction wherein the troops can go in their permanent garrison.” 

    But, it has to be done mutually, the chief pointed out.

    Talking about the overall border situation Naravane said,the situation that existed last January, “I think we can say, there have been positive developments, both along our Northern and Western Borders in the last one year.”

    The 14th round of talks between the Indian and Chinese Corps Commanders was underway as the Chief was briefing the media.

    “Good thing that talks are going on, it shows that we can resolve our differences through dialogue. Each time we talk we narrow down to the issues, that is why this mechanism is important,” Chief brought out.

    To expect every round of talks to have an outcome is also quite unreasonable, number of rounds will be required to deal with the situation, Chief clarified, “We are hopeful that we will be able to resolve the issue of PP 15 (Hot Springs), the one which is pending as of now. Once that is done, we will go to other issues that predate the current standoff.”

    The other issues include the Depsang and Demchok standoffs.

    But while there has been partial disengagement, the Chief made it clear that “the threat has by no means reduced.”

    Force levels, in areas where dis-engagement is yet to take place, have been adequately enhanced with around 60,000 troops from both sides deployed in Eastern Ladakh and there has been few positives of the surprise standoff which began in May 2020.

    Keeping the incumbent situation, “Up-gradation and development of infrastructure, along the Northern Borders, is being carried out in a holistic, and comprehensive manner, including roads & tunnels, for all weather connectivity, Strategic Railway Lines, additional bridges across the Brahmaputra, up-gradation of bridges on critical, Indo-China Border Roads, and storage for supplies, fuel and ammunition. Major efforts have also been undertaken to identify dual use infrastructure,” said Army Chief.

    Talking about the Line of Control, “after a heightened situation for a prolonged period, the DGMOs Understanding, in February last year, was aimed at achieving mutually beneficial, and sustainable peace, along the LC. Resultantly, the situation has witnessed marked improvement.”

    Indian Army has resolved to show ‘Zero Tolerance’ to terror, and commit ourselves to extract dire costs, should that be forced upon us. There has been, “increase in concentration of terrorists in launch pads, across the LC and repeated infiltration attempts, once again expose their nefarious intents.”

    Elaborating on the situation in the North-Eastern General Naravane said “it remained under control”.

    Which has led to a graduated de-induction, of around two divisions from the counter terrorist duty to their primary duties.

    Chief, said that the crisis on the Northern Borders also had a silver lining. “We have used this crisis as an opportunity to fast-track infrastructure development, undertake doctrinal reviews and make-up operational voids, through Emergency and Fast Track Procurements.”

  • ITBP deploys own engineering wing to construct Indo-China border roads, foot tracks

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has taken a first-time decision to deploy its specialised engineering wing for constructing certain roads and foot tracks along the Line of Actual Control to speed up connectivity projects with its posts in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

    The move, which was approved by the Union home ministry, comes amid a military standoff with China in the eastern Ladakh area.

    Official sources told PTI that the border force, ITBP, has taken up the “challenge” to construct four out of the 32 roads under phase-II of the India-China Border Roads project and two out of the total 18 foot tracks sanctioned to it by the government.

    They said the roads of varying lengths of about one to two kilometres, connecting ITBP border posts in the Himalayan ranges, are in the Ladakh region’s 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China while the foot tracks, which are used by troops during patrols, are in the Arunachal Pradesh area.

    The engineers and supervisors of the ITBP wing will “plan and monitor” the entire work, and a ground force comprising labourers and masons will be hired according to government norms, sources said.

    Traditionally, road construction projects along these areas are carried out by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and other such agencies.

    Officials said the engineering wing of the force, an essential component of the ITBP since its raising in 1962, has been roped in for the task in order to speed up the border posts connectivity work.

    In these high-altitude and remote areas, getting contractors and construction workers is not that easy and hence, the work of border road construction remains slow, an officer explained.

    The government has stressed on the need to ensure connectivity through roads so that rations, transportation of troops and other logistics along the LAC can be easily moved.

    Therefore, this maiden attempt of engaging the ITBP engineering wing has been made, he said.

    The ITBP engineering wing, restructured over the years, is tasked to “take care of the construction of operational structures, including border outposts, residential and office buildings, solar lightings, power units and water heating systems, improvised micro-hydel power projects and green houses in snow-clad border areas apart from devising strategic defences around a border post.”

    Currently, the government has initiated the phase-II of the Indo-China Border Roads (ICBR) project that covers several roads, foot tracks and border posts.

    The first phase of ICBR was launched in 2005 under the overall supervision of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and work on a number of roads, helipads and troop bases of this period is underway.

    According to official data, 538.50 kilometres of road have been laid along the China border till November last year.

    Union Minister of State for Home affairs Nityanand Rai had recently said during the 60th ITBP raising day on October 24 that the process to sanction new border battalions for the ITBP is in the “last stages”.

    He was referring to the last year central government sanction of 47 new border posts and a dozen staging camps (operational bases for troops undertaking border patrol) to the mountain-warfare trained paramilitary force.

    The about 90,000 personnel-strong ITBP was raised in the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese aggression.

  • India needs to address consequences of instability in neighbourhood: CDS General Bipin Rawat

    By PTI

    GUWAHATI: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday stressed that the country needs to ensure that the consequences of instability in its neighbourhood are addressed.He also said there is a possibility of threat to Jammu and Kashmir as well as to the North-eastern region due to the situation in Afghanistan which the Taliban has taken over a few months ago but the threat can be negated by working on internal monitoring.

    “India’s national security landscape is stressed on account of security scenario emerging from subcontinental threats…We need to address consequences of instability and volatility in our immediate and extended neighbourhood and it remains our immediate priority,” Gen Rawat said.

    ALSO READ: Danger to stability in South Asia due to China’s ambitions, Sino-Pak nexus ‘anti-Indian’, says CDS General Bipin Rawat

    Delivering the first Ravi Kant Singh Memorial Lecture here, he said a close watch should be kept on the situation in Myanmar as well as the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, with the danger of the latter being exploited by fundamentalist elements.

    He also said India’s relations with Bhutan and Nepal have always been robust and any issues with these countries have been addressed in a positive manner.

    Gen Rawat said internal security challenges of the NE region have serious international dimensions as extremist outfits have connectivity, including hideouts across the border, and their members frequently use porous borders to escape security forces.

    ALSO READ: China’s tech advances in cyber, space domains most worrisome, says CDS General Bipin Rawat

    He, however, added that in recent years there has been a reduction of violence in the NE region and lauded the combined efforts of security agencies and civil society for achieving it.

    Gen Rawat said it was crucial that the land link of the region with the rest of the country is maintained through the Siliguri corridor.

    This vulnerable corridor will always remain a cause of concern and any attempt to block it by any element must be nipped in the bud, he added.

    ALSO READ: Procuring advanced surveillance systems is Indian armed forces’ topmost priority, says CDS Bipin Rawat

    “India has to be on alert of the possible impact of the situation in Afghanistan in Jammu and Kashmir. We have to seal our borders. Internal monitoring is essential,” he told a press conference.

    To a question if the change in regime in Afghanistan could pose danger to Assam and the Northeast, Rawat said a ‘likely threat’ could be there.

    “We have to defend ourselves. We need to educate our people on the need to be conscious of their own security,” he said.

    ALSO READ: India’s armed forces are ready to deal with any security challenge, says CDS Bipin Rawat

    The North-eastern region, especially Assam, is advantageously positioned to project India’s soft power to the world, the chief of defence staff said.

    “North East region including Assam is a land of potential. In fact, it has the potential to be the pivot for projection of soft power of India in the regional countries,” Gen Rawat said.

    He stressed the need for developing multi-model connectivity through development of means of transportations to access ASEAN and other markets.

    He also highlighted the potential of developing the manufacturing and services sector in the NE region, which can help it cater to the international market.

  • Danger to stability in South Asia due to China’s ambitions, Sino-Pak nexus ‘anti-Indian’: CDS General Bipin Rawat

    By PTI

    GUWAHATI: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday said that China’s ambitions and aspirations to global power presented an “omnipresent danger” to stability in South Asia.

    China is making “huge” inroads in South Asia and in the Indian Ocean region to strengthen its position as an emerging global power he said, while delivering the first Ravi Kant Singh Memorial Lecture here.

    “Of late, we are witnessing a geo-strategic competition and huge investment by China in the region to create a favourable posture to provide sufficient security to its interests,” he said.

    Bangladesh and Myanmar have been the largest recipients of Chinese military aid in the recent past, along with significant investments in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives “to gain strategic foothold (in the region),” he said.

    ALSO READ: China’s tech advances in cyber, space domains most worrisome, says CDS General Bipin Rawat

    He added that China’s foray into Myanmar and Bangladesh are not in India’s national interest as these are attempts to ‘engulf India’.

    The lecture was organised in memory of Ravi Kant Singh, a young IPS officer who was killed by ULFA terrorists in Tinsukia in Assam in the late 1990s.

    “There exists an omnipresent danger of regional strategic instability,” Rawat said, adding that it has the potential of ‘threatening India’s territorial integrity and strategic importance’.

    The General also said Pakistan’s state sponsored terrorism as well as by non-state actors against India is a stumbling block to peace process between the two countries.

    ALSO READ: Procuring advanced surveillance systems is Indian armed forces’ topmost priority: CDS Bipin Rawat

    He described the ‘partnership’ between Pakistan and China on a range of issues, from China providing military hardware to Pakistan and supporting it in international fora, as an ‘anti-India nexus’.

    Later addressing a press conference, the chief of defence staff said border issues with China has to be viewed in its totality, and not as issues pertaining to the Ladakh sector or North Eastern states.

    “In 2020, there was a little bit of problem (between India and China). Issues are being resolved with talks at different levels, from military to political level,” he said.

    Rawat also said such issues have copped up in the past too between the two neighbours, but have been resolved.

    ALSO READ: India’s armed forces are ready to deal with any security challenge, says CDS Bipin Rawat

    “There are suspicions between the two countries, and hence, it takes time to resolve the issues. The people must have faith and confidence in the system and the armed forces,” he added.

    He said as a measure to counter China’s influence in the region, India has to step up its engagement in neighbouring countries.

    He said, “Chinese have a habit of using money power to gain popularity in a country (they are trying to influence). But as our prime minister has given a clarion call, we believe in security and growth for all.”

    “We have to tell our neighbours that we are here as permanent friends and engage with them on equal terms and we consider all neighbours as equal partners in development,” he added.

    Rawat also emphasized on the need to exploit cultural linkages with the neighbouring countries to strengthen ties.

    On the country’s defence preparedness, Rawat said, “We are standing strong.”

    He said there is adequate defence and arms systems at India’s disposal, and the government has allowed the armed forces to procure needed armaments by invoking emergency powers.

    “No questions are being asked (by the government) as long as our security mechanism improves,” he added.

    Commenting on the recent violence against security forces as well as civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, Rawat said, “Our western adversary (Pakistan) is indulging in a proxy war with us. They will do anything to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir.”

    He also said the killings in Jammu & Kashmir were an attempt by the neighbouring country to spread fear among the people.

    “We should not fear them or fall prey to such traps,” he said, adding that any possible exodus of people from J&K should be stopped.

    To counter Pakistan’s designs, the chief of defence staff said the intelligence network is being strengthened.

    Rawat added that the freedom of movement that people in Jammu & Kashmir were starting to enjoy in recent times may be disrupted due to the current situation and urged for people’s cooperation in tackling the situation.

  • China’s tech advances in cyber, space domains most worrisome: CDS General Bipin Rawat

    By PTI

    BENGALURU: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Friday said India faces a myriad of external security challenges and most worrisome are China’s technological advances in the cyber and space domains.

    He was speaking at the three-day Indian Air Force Conclave, that was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Yelahanka Air Force Station here, to commemorate 50-years of victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which is being celebrated this year as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’.

    “India faces a myriad of external security challenges with deep regional interlinkages, marred by legacy of unresolved boundary disputes, culture of competition, and challenge to undermining India’s strategic space,” Rawat said.

    ALSO READ: Procuring advanced surveillance systems is Indian armed forces’ topmost priority: CDS Bipin Rawat

    He said, India is also witnessing geo-strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, including race for strategic bases in the Indian Ocean region, and increasing militarisation of Belt and Road outposts in the region by northern adversary China.

    “Most worrisome are China’s technological advances in the spheres of cyber and space domain, which often transcend beyond the military, to include critical national infrastructure as well,” he said, adding that the recent incidents on the northern borders along with aggressive posturing will remain a cornerstone of China’s expansionist foreign policy of which India has to always be wary about.

    On Pakistan, the CDS said that its continued sponsoring of cross border terrorism, a vicious anti-India rhetoric on social media, and efforts to create social disharmony within India, makes the trust gap between India and that county appear to be “unbridgeable”.

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, and Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka, among others, were present at the event.

    ALSO READ: India’s armed forces are ready to deal with any security challenge, says CDS Bipin Rawat

    Pointing at how things have changed in the world since 1971, Ajay Kumar stressed the need to be prepared “manyfold more”, to face today’s security scenario.

    Noting that the situation in Galwan was effectively controlled by prompt and effective action by India’s armed forces, he, however, said the position on the LAC continues to be tense, and the fact that India’s adversary continues to ramp up both infrastructure and assets across the border remains a matter of concern.

    “We continue to see increased activities of China and disputes which it is unilaterally claiming to be its own in the South China sea,” he said, as he also spoke about cross border proxy war and facilitation of terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, by Pakistan, and the situation in Afghanistan having potential for new challenges which could happen at any point of time.

    Kumar, also highlighting that China has moved towards jointness and theatre commands, said, it has spelt out in its operational doctrine that it wants to be “no more a regional power, but a world class military power.”

    China has aimed for itself to complete military modernisation by 2035 and to be a world class military by 2049, he said.

    Pointing out at the changes in the way war is fought with new technologies by influencing cyber and space, he said, “today we have non-conventional ways of fighting war and we need to be prepared for it.”

    The Defence Secretary also said “Air Force has been taking up modernisation in the last 4-5 years. In the last 5 years Rs 2. 5 Lakh crores has been spent on modernisation of the Indian Air Force.”

  • Sela tunnel in Arunachal to ensure better movement of troops and weaponry: Officials

    Another senior official said that the tunnel will help in quicker movement of troops and weapons and it has strategic significance.

  • We shouldn’t expect favourable outcome in every round of border talks with China: Army Chief

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India should not expect favourable outcome in every round of talks being held with China to settle border issues and “points of divergence” with the neighbouring country will be resolved as long as both the nations keep talking, Army Chief General MM Naravane said on Thursday.

    “There were 4-5 points of friction (between India and China during the border talks) and we have resolved all but one. I am sure in another couple of rounds — I can’t give a definitive figure whether one more or two more — we will be able to resolve these issues also as we proceed,” Gen Naravane said.

    Earlier this month, India and China failed to make any headway in resolving the 17-month standoff in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh during the 13th round of military talks between the two countries.

    The Indian Army had on October 11 stated the “constructive suggestions” made by it at the 13th round of military talks were neither agreeable to the Chinese side nor Beijing could provide any “forward-looking” proposals.

    In an interaction at a defence conclave here, the Army Chief said that the situation at the eastern Ladakh border with China is better and more stable now from what existed almost a year ago.

    India and China have had a number of rounds of talks and as a result of those talks, we have been able to achieve a fair amount of disengagement, he added.

    “What I would like to put across is that we should not expect a favourable outcome in every round of talks. There are always going to be some points of convergence, some differences,” he said.

    “As long as we keep talking, we will be able to resolve those points of divergence and come closer and closer together and by and by resolve all the issues that are there,” the Army Chief said.

    The current border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted in May last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area.

    Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

    Gen Naravane said the talks and the interlocutions with China are taking place at the political plane, at the diplomatic level and at the military level.

    “So once all of this is put together and I am sure we will be able to come up with a satisfactory resolution. And when I say satisfactory, it has to be satisfactory for both the sides and I am confident that will happen sooner or later,” he said.

    He asserted that the Indian Army was not for a moment letting its guard down or imagining that things can not worsen in the future.

    “It is always our hope that all the differences can be resolved through dialogues and discussions but if that is not there and if the situation is forced upon us, then we are always ready to man our borders and protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty and that is a year-round affair,” he said.

    “It is not as if it is only during the summer months…we are 24×7 always ready to take on whatever is thrown at us,” he added.

    As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, India and China completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August and in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in February.

    As far as the last year or so is concerned, the two Cs — China and COVID-19 — did take up most of the Indian Army’s time, the Army Chief said.

    “Because of the challenges that were happening on the eastern Ladakh, we did have to mobilise a large number of forces in a very short time span but we were able to achieve that once again because of very good synergy between services,” he said.

    He also thanked the Indian Air Force because of whom the Indian Army were able to mobilise forces in a short span to eastern Ladakh.

    “I think it is the speed of our mobilisation and the speed with which we could induct forces over such difficult terrain and such difficult climatic conditions…that caught our adversary little bit by surprise and we were able to stabilise the situation,” he said.